When you’re not going on a spectacular drive through the mountains, take things at a leisurely pace and go on a picturesque bike ride through North East Victoria. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a popular cycling route that will take you through bushland, farmland, valleys and mountain ranges. And now, it just got a little bit longer, with a new extension from Beechworth to Yackandandah, and Yackandandah to Osbornes Flat. This extension adds over 31km to the experience, stretching the entire rail trail to over 180 kilometres long.
Beechworth to Yackandandah
This extension was created with a $5.2 million investment from the Victorian Government. It’s expected to bring an additional 7,600 visitors to the rail trail each year, bringing an extra $3.1 million to the region.
Nine bridges and an elevated boardwalk was built as a part of this extension, offering visitors picturesque views of the waterways and the natural surrounds.
Ride downhill along a mixed-surface trail through bushland, and explore the historic towns of both Beechworth and Yackandandah. Great for riding all year round, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views, as well as excellent local food and drinks. Book yourself in for a wine tasting at Valente Wines in the middle of your journey. Then, treat yourself to other delicious produce, such as wood-fired pizzas and craft ales from Bridge Road Brewers.
From Yackandandah, it’s an additional 7km ride along the creek to Osbornes Flat. After your journey, you can cycle uphill back to Beechworth, or organise a shuttle ride instead.
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
The rail trail will take you from Wangaratta, through the Ovens Valley, and on towards Bright. Along with the new extension, there’s also other sections and detours, including a link between Rutherglen and Wahgunyah on the Murray River.
Wangaratta is about a three hour drive from Melbourne, and is also accessible through a V/Line train, making it a great spot to begin your journey. From there, you can ride to Milawa via Oxley for wonderful wine, cheese and more gourmet produce. After checking out Milawa, make the return trip to Wangaratta, or cut across to Everton for the next leg of your journey. Between Wangaratta and Everton, you’ll cycle on a flat ride through farmland, where you’ll see plenty of windmills, crops and cows. From Everton, you can make the detour uphill to Beechworth, or continue on towards Myrtleford.
From Myrtleford, you’ll continue through the Ovens Valley and take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Cycle past orchards and vineyards, past the idyllic town of Porepunkah, and on to beautiful Bright. Take the time to stay in Bright and unwind at one of restaurants, cellar doors and farm gates.
From Bright, you can keep going on an extension to the heritage village of Wandiligong. Or, embark on an additional rail trail and cycle on towards Harrietville.
Split this massive rail rail into smaller sections so that you can take your time to rest and explore any towns of interest. There are smaller sections along the train that are suitable for all ages and abilities, so the whole family can come along and enjoy an adventure in the great outdoors. Learn more about the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail here.